Washing schedule
Page 57
If you've noticed an error in this article please click here to report it so we can fix it.
The successful design and application of a smart vehicle livery, which projects the desired company image, can fade rapidly unless a regular vehicle washing schedule — ideally, twice a week — is adhered to. In practice the maximum period between washes may be influenced by the colour of the vehicle, its operating environment and the weather.
But I suggest it is not unreasonable to suggest that washing should take place at weekly intervals or less.
Washing facilities vary enormously and may simply consist of a cold water hose and brush or, in the case of a large fleet operator, represent an investment of many thousands of pounds for sophisticated semiautomatic machinery.
If vehicles remain unwashed for too long, the build-up of traffic film and road salts becomes hard to remove. It might encourage the use of insufficiently diluted chemicals or other harsh washing methods, which can shorten the effective life of a vehicle livery. The choice of a washing method depends upon individual requirements. Nevertheless, the factor governing the efficiency be it simple or elaborate, is the man at the controls and his strict adherence to the data sheet instructions. These are supplied by both equipment and the washing liquid manufacturers. And washing machines must be maintained by skilled men.
Does it appear to anyone that the difficulties of keeping paintwork spick and span outweigh the possible rewards. Taking this view might seem to provide convenient grounds for largely ignoring appearance and image considerations. Such a policy would be economically unsound. Certain standards of vehicle maintenance are demanded by legislation and some of the requirements discussed must, in any case; be rectified before an annual MoT inspection.
Body and paint work maintenance may be viewed as a progression, in that failure to effect necessary interim work increases the time required to carry out both desirable and essential pre-MoT maintenance. Frequently such additional time is not always available and an unsatisfactory compromise is reached where limited additional time is spent on priority items only.
Finally, when complete renovation becomes necessary, probably earlier than anticipated, owing to accumulated neglect, a really extended period is required for this purpose.
From practical and economic points of view therefore I argue that a well-planned and executed painting operation need not increase vehicle running costs but can in fact reduce them. The bonuses are a smart fleet, an effective image, and the respect of the authorities and those connected with the day-to-day running of the fleet.